The United States, Canada and Mexico will launch a joint bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the leaders of the three soccer federations announced on Monday in New York City.

If the bid is successful, it will be the first time for the World Cup to be hosted by three nations. The last joint bid to host a World Cup happened in 2002 when Japan and South Korea co-hosted the tournament.

"This is a milestone day for US Soccer and for CONCACAF. We gave careful consideration to the prospect of bidding for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and ultimately feel strongly this is the right thing for our region and for our sport," said US Soccer president Sunil Gulati. "Along with our partners from the Canadian Soccer Association and the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol, we are confident that we will submit an exemplary bid worthy of bringing the FIFA World Cup back to North America."

"The United States, Mexico and Canada have individually demonstrated their exceptional abilities to host world-class events. When our nations come together as one, as we will for 2026, there is no question the United States, Mexico and Canada will deliver an experience that will celebrate the game and serve players, supporters and partners alike."

All three countries have a history of hosting successful FIFA events, with the United States still recognized as hosting the most successful World Cup back in 1994 based on overall attendance. Mexico has hosted the World Cup on two occasions - 1970 and 1986 respectively. Meanwhile, Canada has host Youth World Cups and the 2015 Women's World Cup.

The successful bid would make the three CONCACAF countries the first to host the proposed 48-team World Cup in 2026, an idea put forward by FIFA president Gianni Infantino.